It has emerged that Australian politicians took A$ 245,000 worth of free match tickets while considering a potential ban on gambling advertisements during live sporting events. This took place over the course of two years, with lobbyists hoping to dissuade politicians from implementing the ban, and the amount of free tickets has finally had a monetary value attached to it following examination of the parliamentary gift register.
Australia’s political landscape is in a state of flux in the run-up to the 2025 Federal election. Gambling has been a hot topic during the election, and an initial plan to implement crackdowns on betting advertisements was taken off the political agenda.
Australia’s Gambling Climate
Reports have long placed Australians among the top gamblers in the world, and authorities have been keen to implement changes to help protect consumers. As well as discussions about a ban on gambling advertising, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for overseeing regulations, standards, and legislation for broadcasting and online communications, has also clamped down on unlicensed offshore betting operations.
The authority has targeted affiliate sites and gambling operators that do not meet the high standards it sets as Australian consumers explore the developing online marketplace. Online betting expert Alex Hoffman explains that newly established casino sites can offer bettors a wider selection of casino games and sports betting markets, enticing offers, more payment options, and enhanced security.
The top offshore betting sites will be regulated in the regions they operate out of and implement strict security protocols to protect consumer data. These sites make use of the latest technologies and SSL encryption to protect user information, and adhering to the rules set in place by their licensing authority ensures they comply with strict Australian legislation.
Since the ACMA began banning dubious operators in 2019, there have been 1210 sites that have been blocked for Australian users. Their latest crackdown included instructions to internet service providers to prohibit access to four more sites that failed to meet the standards expected of operators.
Potential Betting Ad Ban
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had been clear about cracking down on online gambling advertising following an inquiry from the Labour government in 2023. However, near the end of 2024, the issue was removed from the legislative agenda until after the May 3rd general election, with the issue to be considered by the new parliament.
This issue has the backing of the Australian people, and polls show that approximately 75% want to see a ban on online gambling advertising. Gambling ads are already prohibited from running during children’s programs, and advertisers have to follow strict guidelines to place ads during live sporting events.
An outright ban on betting ads during sporting events on TV, Radio, and online is the most likely to be implemented due to concerns about vulnerable customers being targeted or exposed to them. A full ban could follow depending on the success of this.
The Labour government is expected to retain power, and will likely return to this issue due to the overwhelming public support it already has. It looks likely that Australia will see a ban on gambling advertising at some point in the future, and the ACMA will continue to protect Australian bettors by weeding out illegal gambling sites.
With so many online gambling sites available for bettors to explore, it can be easy for less reputable operators to slip in among the more reliable operators. Consumers are being asked to proceed with caution when choosing a new operator.
